Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1887-07-14
Judge Barrett Passes Sentence This
MOraing-The Scene in Court.


last night than for some nights previous, but it
seemed TO be the sleep OF utter exhaustion and he
appeared TO be but little refreshed by it when he
rose tis morning az O'Clock. His wife
s,t,, sat by .,nn his ,,u bedside through the
Sharp remained sitting In his reclining chair
until the hour came at which he was TO start for
the courthouse. He was escorted from the Jail %
the carriage awaiting To convey him down town
by Warden keating, Under Sheriff sexton and
Deputy sheriff Curran. Mrs. Sharp accompanied
her husband and entered the carriage with him
and the warden and under sheriff. Upon arriving
at the county courthouse at IL 90 the party
allghted and passed through the lane made for
them by the police through the waiting crowd OF
curious spectators to the sherits Office and thence
TO the courtroom. sharp was so weak that lt was
necessary for the officers guarding him 10 support
his totter1ng form. Judge Barrett, whose illness
yesterday compelled postponenent or the SEN
tence OF the convicted man, had recovered SUM-
ciently to-day TO be present IN court. He arrived
at the courthouse at almost the same moment as
the prisoner.
Lawyers Nelson, stickney and Parsons seated
themselves on the right OF their client opposite
his vile and relatives. Sharp sat with clasped
hands and bowed head at the foot or the table,
facing the bench. After tn e court called 70
order Mr.. MARITIME got up nd stated that as he
heard the defen sc had some remarks TO make he
wished TO hear them. Mr.. Mitchell responded,
saving that he would move for n new trial, and
wished the stepographer 70 make q note OF the
fact. Judge Barrett said that II the document
cont aimed nothing new he would deny fhe appli-
cation for new TRIAL Mr. Mitchell then read the
PAPER stat ing that the trial was an Unfair one
the CLIENT and gave an unfair verdict Moreover,
the judges charge was an unjust one. several
other points were raised. but OF the stereotyped
variety. Judge Barrett stated that the motion
would properly be denied.
MOVING FOR SENTENCE.
Mr. MARITIME stood up 10 move the court 10 sem
tence the prisoner. He stated he considered II his
duty to ask the court TO appoiat physicians 70
look into the prisoners condition OF health and
read some certificates from Doctors Allan McC.
Hamilton and Janeway, TO the eject that the
"A
suffering from diabetes, Inflammation OF the Kid
neys and organic disease of the heart which were
OF serious import TO a man OF his years. He then
read Dr. Hamilton's report on the condition OF
Sing Sing and the arrangements Tor the care "
the sick, which he said were OF most excellent
character all around. and the place was most
healthtly situated SIN view OF these facts con-
ciuded Mr.. MARITIME, "there Is nothing lett Tor me
TO do but move for the sentence OF the prisoner"
Mr. Mitchell then stood up 10 make a last APP
peal for the defense. He said he did not wish 10
delap the court, but would ask the Judge 10 tenn
per justice with mercy.
PASSING SENTENCE
He had received many letters from many people
pleading mercy and otherwise. But court was
not appointed to be merciful any more than was
dictated by the laws OF Justice. Judge is ap-
pointed 10 award penalty in accordance the Of
fnnce when all the circumstances connected with
the commission OF the offense have been duly
weighed and considered. The defendant here, In
asking for mercy can give nothing plea for
clemency but age and sickness. on the
merits OF the case he certainly Is emitted 10
guilty OF giving the bribes as he WAS Enthusiastically
the leader OF the whole affair. We have not here.
as In the case of the aldermen, any attempt 70
prove the defendants good character. The crime
Itself was an enormous one the raising or half
million OF dollars TO corrupt half legislature.
Judge Barrett reviewed the corrupt action or the
defendant.
"What is there to excite pity or mercy, ex:
cept the age and ill-heaith OF the prisoner, ana
the mourning condition or his family. With over
ST. O0O 600 in his pocket he clamors FOR mercy with.
out Offering TO pay back penny OF the many
stolen; so that should he die Ia prison his family
has vast fortune TO fall back on"
At this Mrs. Sharp buried her face In her hand.
kerchief and wept silently, while the prisoner
himself did not lift his face from the table.
'The legislature does not allow Us 20 60 below
the minimum penalty In such grave onense a5
the present is" continued Judge Barrett. "Au
cannot be satisfied-those who cianor for the pri-
soners receiving the full penalty or the law and
those calling for q reprimand. All things have
been considered, and the judgment OF this court
is that the prisoner be confined four years at hard
labor, and that ne pay a fine OF 5000"
An attempt at applause was made In one corner
OF the room as the sentence was pronounced, bue
II was suppressed quickly.
Sharp was taken back 10 Ludlow-street jail, and
Will lie taken TO Sing Sing tomorrow.